KPOPWORLD #6 (Yves)

KPOPWORLD #6 (KEYVITUP X VAYONN)

KPOPWORLD #5

KPOPWORLD #4

KEYVITUP is a five-member boy group under iNKODE, formed through the agency’s INTHE X Project. The lineup—Sena, Hyunmin, Taehwan, Rukia, and Jaein—was introduced step by step through pre-debut content, building anticipation around a team designed with a strong performance focus and a clear concept from the start. As part of a dual-group rollout, KEYVITUP was positioned with a trendy and dynamic identity, contrasting with its counterpart group. This concept highlights a more energetic and performance-driven style, setting the tone for their music and overall image even before debut. They are set to make their debut with the self-titled EP KEYVITUP, marking the official beginning of their activities. With pre-debut exposure, international stage appearances, and a defined concept, the group enters the scene with momentum and a clear direction moving forward.

KEYVITUP

For our latest Digital Cover, we sit down with HYUNMIN, TAEHWAN, SENA, JAEIN, and RUKIA to talk about their debut, finding their sound, writing and shaping their own music, the chemistry that holds them together, and where they want to take KEYVITUP next

KEYVITUP - The KPOPWORLD Digital Cover

LOONA (이달의 소녀, &quot;Girl of the Month&quot;) is a girl group formed by Blockberry Creative with one of the most ambitious pre-debut projects in K-pop history. From 2016 to 2018, each of the twelve members was individually introduced with her own solo single, music video, and lore before the full group debuted in August 2018. This elaborate rollout created an intricate &quot;LOONAVERSE&quot; mythology that captivated fans who dissected every visual clue and narrative connection. LOONA&#x27;s music spans a remarkable range of styles — from Chuu&#x27;s bubbly &quot;Heart Attack&quot; to the cinematic grandeur of &quot;Butterfly&quot; to the girl-crush energy of &quot;PTT (Paint the Town).&quot; The group gained a uniquely devoted international fandom, Orbits, who turned LOONA into an internet phenomenon long before the group achieved mainstream domestic success. Despite significant company controversies and member departures, LOONA&#x27;s creative ambition and the quality of their discography have ensured their place in K-pop history as one of the most artistically inventive groups of their generation.

LOONA

From LOONA to her evolution as a solo artist, Yves opens up about her journey, creative identity, and the challenges behind her growth in an honest, unfiltered conversation in 2026

The Self-Image of Yves

KickFlip is a seven-member boy group under JYP Entertainment, consisting of Kyehoon, Amaru, Donghwa, Juwang, Minje, Keiju, and Donghyeon. The group was formed through the SBS audition program Loud and debuted in 2025. The group&#x27;s identity connects JYP&#x27;s idol training system with a more youthful, agile performance image. Because several members were already known from a survival-show context, KickFlip&#x27;s debut carried built-in curiosity around how the lineup would translate from trainee competition to a working group. The fandom is known as WeFlip. KickFlip is still early in its career, with its public identity centered on formation, lineup, and debut positioning rather than a long-established legacy.

KickFlip

KickFlip are ready to kick off a new chapter. Ahead of their first world tour in 2027, the JYP Entertainment rookies sit down with KPOPWORLD to discuss their new album KICK OFF THE WALL Pt. 1

KickFlip Talk KICK OFF THE WALL Pt. 1 Ahead of First World Tour

CLOSE YOUR EYES (also shortened as CYE) is a seven-member boy group under UNCORE. They were formed through JTBC&#x27;s survival show PROJECT7. They made their debut on April 2, 2025, with the mini album &quot;Enternalt&quot;. PROJECT7 started airing on October 18, 2024, and the finale was broadcast live on December 27, 2024, revealing the group name, CLOSE YOUR EYES, and the seven winners, in order: Ma Jingxiang, Kenshin, Jeon Minwook, Seo Kyoungbae, Song Seungho, Jang Yeojun, and Kim Sungmin. Before joining PROJECT7, Jeon Minwook had already debuted as a member of the boy group BAE173 and the project group A-SIX. Additionally, Ma Jingxiang was a contestant on Boys Planet, while Jang Yeojun also participated in Boys Planet and was a contestant on Wild Idol.

CLOSE YOUR EYES

He talks us through the writing process behind the album's closing track, how he's grown since debut, and what drives him to keep reaching further

Meet The Member An Interview with CLOSE YOUR EYES' SEO KYOUNGBAE – Always Climbing Higher

He talks discovering bossa nova for the first time, what collaborating with a featured artist changed for him, and where he feels most connected to the rest of the group

Meet The Member: An Interview with CLOSE YOUR EYES' KENSHIN – The Playful Connector

Sandara Park, known simply as Dara, is an iconic figure in both the Korean and Filipino entertainment industries, gaining fame through her diverse career as a singer, actress, and television presenter.

Dara: Entertainer Extraordinaire

Yangbans can best be described as 80s bedroom pop – if bedroom pop existed in the 80s. The opening to “Through the Tunnel” feels like Toto – or a Hall &amp; Oates song – but then it all drops into something a lot more natural and roomy.&nbsp;

Daily Non-K-pop Spotlight: “Through the Tunnel” by Yangbans

Earlier this month, Produce 101 competitor and NU’EST member Baekho made a comeback with the track “Nutty Nutty” featuring guest artist JESSI.

Baekho’s “Nutty Nutty” photos aren’t actually too nutty

Shin Hyesung, born Jung Pil-kyo in 1979, is widely known as the main vocalist of the legendary South Korean boy group, Shinhwa.

Shin Hyesung: Highest of Highs, Lowest of Lows

Korean indie pop artist mong_gle wastes no time winning over listeners with her track “Green Apple.”

Daily Non-K-pop Spotlight: “Green Apple” by mong_gle

K-pop soloist Hanbin aka B.I has become a fan favorite because of his melodic voice and sultry lyrics.

B.I - The K-pop idol who makes his fans’ hearts go BTBT

One listen and you’ll understand immediately why “Fever Dream” is the title track for Hayeon’s latest EP, which dropped last June.

Daily Non-K-pop Spotlight: “Fever Dream” by Hayeon

Earlier this month, Onew dropped his third EP, titled Flow.

Embracing the Everyday with Onew’s Flow concept photos

NewJeans' debut in 2022 was truly remarkable, as the dynamic fourth-generation girl group revolutionized fan engagement with K-pop and set a new standard for how the industry would evolve with female idols.

Fan Spotlight: Thai pop star Fyeqoodgurl shares dazzling cover of NewJeans' "Hype Boy"

While there’s no such thing as too much K-pop, we also recognize there are so many other talented Korean musicians making awesome music!

K-Indie Super Spotlight: Five of our favorite non-K-pop artists from Korea

One thing you ought to know is that Korean indie music has no shortage of phenomenal bass players.&nbsp;

Daily Non-K-pop Spotlight: “Root It Out” by Conut

THEBLACKLABEL which is home to the likes of Jeon Somi, Rose, Taeyang just introduced a new girl group a few weeks ago.

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